If you want to start mountain biking, the first thing you need to do is invest in a bike. But New wheels are quite expensive. Anyone who doesn't yet know whether a mountain bike is the right piece of sports equipment doesn't want to quickly spend several thousand euros on it. But there are also alternatives for getting good bikes at a favourable price. We show you where the best bargains can be found on the confusing second-hand bike market and what you should look out for when buying a used bike. We also offer Bicycle leasing a lucrative alternative to buy your dream bike and save money and taxes at the same time.
What should I look out for when buying a used mountain bike?
Whether online, at a flea market or from a mate - the second-hand mountain bike market is full of bargains. But what should I look out for so that I don't get a nasty surprise? "Only slight signs of use", "optical defects, but technically flawless" or "as good as new" - these are the typical slogans used by private sellers to advertise their used bikes. A high-end bike for half the price of a new one? Who can resist that? Internet platforms such as Ebay Kleinanzeigen, Quoka or MTB-News Bikemarkt are full of cheap bikes from all MTB categories. But if you get carried away too quickly, you can easily end up in trouble and incur consequential costs. To prevent bad purchases, you should always test ride the bike before buying. Paint chips and scratches in the paintwork may not be pretty, but in most cases they are normal signs of use and harmless. Nevertheless, take a close look, as chips in the paintwork can indicate dents. Small dents in the aluminium frame are not usually serious, but in the wrong place they can lead to a broken frame. In the case of carbon frames, it is essential to ask about crashes and check the frame for cracks. If there are cracks: Hands off!
- Frame: If the frame cracks during the test ride, the bearings are probably defective and need to be replaced. Each new bearing costs around 25 euros. Caution: For some bearings, such as the bottom bracket, you need special tools to replace them.
- Drive: You should check that the gears are working properly. The individual gears must engage properly and you should also check the condition of the chain and rear derailleur. A new chain costs at least 20 euros. A cheap cassette will cost between 50 and 100 euros.
- Chassis: You should make sure that the suspension fork and shock compress and rebound smoothly. There should also be no oil leaks and no play in the bushings. It is worth asking about the last service, as the costs for such a workshop service start at around 120 euros.
- Tyres: If the tread is worn, the tyre offers little grip. If cracks or even cuts are visible, new tyres are due. New MTB tyres cost between 20 and 60 euros. Another reason to reduce the price.
>> more here Information and tips on buying used mountain bikes.
Mountain bike leasing: how it works
Ride a new bike every three years and still save money and tax - company bikes are one of the most lucrative ways to buy your dream bike in 2021.
What is bike leasing?
The employer concludes a contract with a Leasing provider (e.g. Jobrad, Bikeleasing, Businessbike or Eurorad). The employee registers on the relevant portal. Once this is done, the employee can choose their dream bike from a specialist dealer or mail order company. The last step is for the employer to sign the transfer letter.
What are the advantages of bike leasing? How to save money and taxes
The leasing instalment is deducted from your gross salary. As bike leasing is exempt from tax and social security contributions, you save a lot of money compared to a private purchase. The leasing term is usually 36 months. After this period, the bike can be returned to the dealer or you can keep it for a transfer fee. In addition to employee leasing, there are also leasing models that can be taken out when purchasing from a bike shop. Providers such as Business Bike also have bike leasing packages for the self-employed.
What does bike leasing cost? A concrete example calculation
MTB model Canyon AL Strive
- Purchase price 3330 Euro
- Gross monthly salary 5600 euros
- State of Bavaria, tax class 3, 1 child
- No church tax, health insurance Additional employee contribution 1.1 %
- Old net salary: 3759.23 euros
- New net salary 3692.20 euros
- Monthly costs 67.03 euros
- Precedent. Residual value: 566.10 euros
Saved through bike leasing: 597 euros*
*Insurance not included
